Any resolutions out there?

Posted Saturday, January 2, 2010, at 8:45 PM

I have never made New Year's resolutions. Perhaps it's because I know they won't be kept. As 2009 drew to a close, I thought about resolving to lose weight. I was thin most of my life, so it's hard for me to see the pounds creeping on. I know who is responsible and who should take care of it. Evidently I don't feel strongly enough about it.

July through November of 2009 were not good months for me. I was sick most of that time with what we called the crud. I finally got over it and feel better. Now what do I do to take care of my health? I don't want to go through all of that again. Perhaps more rest will help.

I felt there were other ways to improve myself. First, my relationship with God needs to be strengthened. Once again in 2010 Jim and I are reading The Daily Bible together, and there are other ways we can improve our spiritual souls. That will also help our relationship.

Then I thought of those friends and family members we seldom see. You know who I mean. They are the ones you see when you go to a family funeral. We need to reach out to them, see how they are, and at least know where they are.

Jim has a first cousin in Manchester who calls each year on Jim's birthday. We can count on it like clockwork. Yesterday Jim called him to check on the family and wish them a happy new year.

This afternoon I called my first cousin who lives in Joelton. I haven't seen her since her husband died four years ago. It hurts me terribly that I went so long without calling her. I thought she was going to cry while talking with me. She kept thanking me for calling. After her husband died, she lost her home. She is now living with her daughter, son-in-law and little granddaughter. She keeps the little one while the mother works. She said she is fine, but it's sad that she didn't get to keep her home. Some life insurance would have kept that for her. My conscience hurts that I did not call her earlier.

Next on my list are cousins in Florida. They have lived there since the 50's, and we haven't heard from them in at least twelve years. Last year one of them called what had been my father's business in Lewisburg and asked for him and then about me. Daddy's former partner gave him my address here, but he never wrote or called. I went to the white pages online and have what I think is his number. I may try that one tomorrow afternoon. He didn't know my father (his uncle) had died in 1999, and he tried to reach us. Now it's my turn to try to reach him.

Perhaps it's because I'm retired and have more time. Whatever the reason, I have this desire to find my family, but they may not feel the same way